Road accidents a serious concern

Rajeev Rajapakse - Optometrist Director

Road accidents are a serious concern. “The number of road accidents in Sri Lanka during 2011 reached 37,000 killing 2,500 persons and maiming 600”.

These disturbing figures mean that anyone driving, walking or simply standing on the road, at every point, has a reason to think about and take action against such accidents.

Reading an article in a newspaper mentioned that 57% of accidents were due solely to drivering factors. On that note, there are several factors that can help prevent accidents, of which is not often considered, is a person’s eyesight.

It goes without saying that eye sight is essential for driving. However, what often goes unsaid is how important it is. The sensory skills we use when driving rely mostly (95%) on an input provided by our vision. Therefore, good visual acuity (the requirement is 6/9, 6/12), good peripheral vision (140° horizontal field and 20° unobstructed vertically), good night vision are some of the standards required to obtain a driver’s licence.

There are simple steps we could take to prevent accidents by preventing visual disturbance:

1) Get your eyes checked regularly and make sure that the spectacles you are wearing are adequate.

2) Sunglasses protect you from the glare and therefore enable you to keep your eyes comfortably on the road at all times.

3) Night-driving glasses provide sharper vision.

4) If you are wearing multifocal (progressive lenses) for the first time, make sure you give yourself adequate time to get used to them before wearing them for driving.

5) Any change of prescription, requires you get used to it before being used for driving.

6) If you have been wearing contact lenses the whole day and your eyes are tired, it is advisable to switch to spectacles for driving at night.

7) Keep moisturizing eye drops in your car if you suffer from dry eyes.

8) It is always advisable to have a spare pair of spectacles in your car at all times.

9) Your eyesight is linked to your visual health and can be affected by certain conditions such as high blood pressure, and migraine.

10) Special lenses (with anti-reflective coating) can help during reflection from the lights of oncoming vehicles.

Do not hesitate to consult your eye care practitioner for advice. Good vision is a step towards safety on the road.